The Nets announced Brook Lopez is out for three weeks with a sprained right ankle suffered Sunday in Charlotte during Deron Williams’ historic 57-point game.

For the long term, it probably will not affect any decision by the Magic on whether or not to trade Dwight Howard in a deal involving Lopez. Whether Lopez has a sprained ankle or not, the Magic likely would not get a better deal by the Mar. 15 trading deadline than what the Nets have to offer.

Of course, the Magic could risk it all and allow Howard to become a free agent after the season. They chance losing him and getting nothing in return. The lure of Brooklyn with its business opportunities – and good friend Williams – is massively appealing.

But for now, Lopez will be placed in a walking boot – again. The 7-foot center missed the first 32 games of the season with a broken foot suffered in the preseason. The Nets, who face the Heat here Tuesday night, said they will update his status on Mar. 23.

Assuming he is still on the Nets, of course.

Lopez was injured in his fifth game back – he has averages of 19.2 points and 3.6 rebounds, playing 27.2 minutes per.

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Deron Williams’ franchise record 57 points Sunday was the sixth 50-pointer in Nets history, the fourth in non-overtime mode, the first since Vince Carter scored 51 on Dec. 23, ’05 in Miami. . .The NBA’s high total this year, it also was the most since Kobe Bryant’s 61 against the Knicks on Feb. 2, 2009. . . And Williams’ 40 second half points were the most ever by a Nets player in any half. . .And Williams 21-of-21 at the line was the second best showing ever. Dominique Wilkins was 23-of-23 for Atlanta in ’92.